2020
The Most Influential Images of All Time.
“Tank Man”
Jeff Widener
June 5, 1989
Tiananmen Square
The “Tank Man” photo gives a glimpse into the morning of June 5, 1989, a day after the Tiananmen Square massacre. This photo was captured from the view of a balcony on the sixth floor of the Beijing Hotel by Jeff Widener. The “Tank Man” that the name of the photograph refers to is an unidentified Chinese man, who has since been labelled as the Unknown Protestor or Unknown Rebel. The identity of this man still today is unknown. Jeff Widener was able to capture a true moment of resistance by a single man who temporarily stopped the advancing of the tanks by putting his own life on the line. It is unknown exactly what happened to the man, but this sense of unknowingness only adds to the overall impact of the photograph. There is no completed story, only part of one that sheds a light on the power of resistance. There is something to be said about the power of a single human being, made of flesh and blood, standing in the way of four war machines, outfitted in metal and designed for nothing else but destroying and killing. The juxtaposition of these two subjects turned towards each other only adds to the influence that the photo emits, being one of rebellion for a greater cause. This photo is viewed as so influential that in China the image is censored.
Another component that I think makes this image so influential and impactful is the fact that it appeared on front pages of the newspaper all over the world, making it the first image that many people saw relating to the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. The “Tank Man” became an image of hope and eventually a global hero in the eye’s of the world.
To speak more on the power of the photo, I think the fact that the subjects are unaware that they are being photographed only adds to the realness of the event and and the overall sense of selfless rebellion. This anonymous person decided to stand up against all odds in the support of what he believed in by show of a nonviolent action. The framing of the photograph also speaks to the influence of the photo. Jeff Widener still took this photo regardless of the bottom of a car and lone light post that jab into the shot. I think that only adds to the importance of this photo. There is a rawness to it that you can see when looking at the photo, the subjects aren’t positioned in any way. You can really see that the photographer truly just wanted to capture an incredible moment in time.
I remember when I first saw this photograph in seventh grade. The moment I saw it, I was rendered speechless. I didn’t know why, I knew nothing about the events that surrounded the photograph, yet I was moved by it. There is something in that photograph that speaks to standing up against something greater, even when you already know the odds aren’t in your favour. This photograph definitely deserves to be on the list of the top 100 most influential images of all time, there is an unspoken power that is translated through this image and onto anyone who is lucky enough to set their eyes upon it. This is also the reason I believe that this photo is censored in China. The “Tank Man” photograph stirs within all of us the importance of standing up even when it seems that all is against us.
Jeff Widener
June 5, 1989
Tiananmen Square
The “Tank Man” photo gives a glimpse into the morning of June 5, 1989, a day after the Tiananmen Square massacre. This photo was captured from the view of a balcony on the sixth floor of the Beijing Hotel by Jeff Widener. The “Tank Man” that the name of the photograph refers to is an unidentified Chinese man, who has since been labelled as the Unknown Protestor or Unknown Rebel. The identity of this man still today is unknown. Jeff Widener was able to capture a true moment of resistance by a single man who temporarily stopped the advancing of the tanks by putting his own life on the line. It is unknown exactly what happened to the man, but this sense of unknowingness only adds to the overall impact of the photograph. There is no completed story, only part of one that sheds a light on the power of resistance. There is something to be said about the power of a single human being, made of flesh and blood, standing in the way of four war machines, outfitted in metal and designed for nothing else but destroying and killing. The juxtaposition of these two subjects turned towards each other only adds to the influence that the photo emits, being one of rebellion for a greater cause. This photo is viewed as so influential that in China the image is censored.
Another component that I think makes this image so influential and impactful is the fact that it appeared on front pages of the newspaper all over the world, making it the first image that many people saw relating to the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. The “Tank Man” became an image of hope and eventually a global hero in the eye’s of the world.
To speak more on the power of the photo, I think the fact that the subjects are unaware that they are being photographed only adds to the realness of the event and and the overall sense of selfless rebellion. This anonymous person decided to stand up against all odds in the support of what he believed in by show of a nonviolent action. The framing of the photograph also speaks to the influence of the photo. Jeff Widener still took this photo regardless of the bottom of a car and lone light post that jab into the shot. I think that only adds to the importance of this photo. There is a rawness to it that you can see when looking at the photo, the subjects aren’t positioned in any way. You can really see that the photographer truly just wanted to capture an incredible moment in time.
I remember when I first saw this photograph in seventh grade. The moment I saw it, I was rendered speechless. I didn’t know why, I knew nothing about the events that surrounded the photograph, yet I was moved by it. There is something in that photograph that speaks to standing up against something greater, even when you already know the odds aren’t in your favour. This photograph definitely deserves to be on the list of the top 100 most influential images of all time, there is an unspoken power that is translated through this image and onto anyone who is lucky enough to set their eyes upon it. This is also the reason I believe that this photo is censored in China. The “Tank Man” photograph stirs within all of us the importance of standing up even when it seems that all is against us.
“The Loch Ness Monster”
Unknown
1934
Scotland
The Loch Ness Monster, once only a part of Scottish folklore, was brought to the attention of the world through the “evidence” of this photo. Decades later, even after this photo, (the first piece of tangible evidence) had been proven a hoax, the Loch Ness thrives in the minds of avid searchers for the elusive creature, as well as modern day pop culture.
I remember first seeing this photo as a child, it sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity in me. It made me question what I thought I knew and if mythological creatures could in fact be real. Of course I later found out that this photo was in fact a hoax; it still hasn’t dempered my interest in folklore and the mythological, it has merely fuelled it. I feel that many others experienced this in the same wonder I felt when first gazing upon this image. There are so many issues going on in the world at any given time that to be able to believe, for even just a moment, that there’s a sea monster lurking in the depths of a lake in Scotland instills a sense of curiosity in a person.
Of course, in the decades since this photo has been released to the public we have learned that things like photoshop are a powerful tool and not one to be taken lightly. As people we have learned never to believe or trust anything we see, unless proven completely and backed up with evidence. Although I think that making sure to check our resources and where our information is being supplied to us, it also erases the childlike wonder of seeing photos like this for the first time. This photo is so impactful as it played a large part in jumpstarting the notion of believing nothing you see. It reminds us not to believe blindly. This photo definitely deserved to be on the list of most influential photographs of all time as the story and eventual impact behind the photograph is so great.
Unknown
1934
Scotland
The Loch Ness Monster, once only a part of Scottish folklore, was brought to the attention of the world through the “evidence” of this photo. Decades later, even after this photo, (the first piece of tangible evidence) had been proven a hoax, the Loch Ness thrives in the minds of avid searchers for the elusive creature, as well as modern day pop culture.
I remember first seeing this photo as a child, it sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity in me. It made me question what I thought I knew and if mythological creatures could in fact be real. Of course I later found out that this photo was in fact a hoax; it still hasn’t dempered my interest in folklore and the mythological, it has merely fuelled it. I feel that many others experienced this in the same wonder I felt when first gazing upon this image. There are so many issues going on in the world at any given time that to be able to believe, for even just a moment, that there’s a sea monster lurking in the depths of a lake in Scotland instills a sense of curiosity in a person.
Of course, in the decades since this photo has been released to the public we have learned that things like photoshop are a powerful tool and not one to be taken lightly. As people we have learned never to believe or trust anything we see, unless proven completely and backed up with evidence. Although I think that making sure to check our resources and where our information is being supplied to us, it also erases the childlike wonder of seeing photos like this for the first time. This photo is so impactful as it played a large part in jumpstarting the notion of believing nothing you see. It reminds us not to believe blindly. This photo definitely deserved to be on the list of most influential photographs of all time as the story and eventual impact behind the photograph is so great.
“The Falling Man”
Richard Drew
September, 11, 2001
The World Trade Center
September 11, 2001 was a day of extreme sadness and suffering that was felt across the world. Numerous photos circulated depicting the tragedy that was endured that day, many featuring the planes that collided with the buildings, and as well as the actual buildings burning and collapsing. “The Falling Man” depicts the same tragedy yet somehow instills a different reaction. As photographs of fires engulfing the World Trade Center, and planes colliding with skyscrapers made their way onto television and the front pages of newspapers, they were met with mutual sorrow for the death of so many. However it was the photograph, taken by Richard Drew, of a single, unidentified man that received backlash. This is understandable because of just how impactful the photograph is. Instead of looking at a site where a tragedy is/has occurred, the viewer is forced to look at the impact of that tragedy in its very eyes, on a very personal level. The viewer is forced to think about the moments captured in this photo, and is forced to think about those few fleeting moments before death. This photo emanates great sorrow for the fragility of human life and the effects of unnecessary violence. It’s a commentary on just how precious life is, and “The Falling Man” will forever be immortalized as a symbol of a soldier, made part of a cruel tragedy that he never asked to be part of. The true identity of “The Falling Man” is still unknown, but that only adds to the message of the photograph.
The composition of the photograph is also quite striking, the two plain skyscrapers in the background, split down the middle with one side reflecting the highlights and one side reflecting the shadows only further highlights “The Falling Man” positioned in the center of this photograph.
This photograph, highlighting the effects of the violent crimes against innocent humans that took place on September 11, 2001 will forever live on in this photo, and deserves to be remembered. The image of “The Falling Man” definitely deserves a place among the most influential photos of all time.
Richard Drew
September, 11, 2001
The World Trade Center
September 11, 2001 was a day of extreme sadness and suffering that was felt across the world. Numerous photos circulated depicting the tragedy that was endured that day, many featuring the planes that collided with the buildings, and as well as the actual buildings burning and collapsing. “The Falling Man” depicts the same tragedy yet somehow instills a different reaction. As photographs of fires engulfing the World Trade Center, and planes colliding with skyscrapers made their way onto television and the front pages of newspapers, they were met with mutual sorrow for the death of so many. However it was the photograph, taken by Richard Drew, of a single, unidentified man that received backlash. This is understandable because of just how impactful the photograph is. Instead of looking at a site where a tragedy is/has occurred, the viewer is forced to look at the impact of that tragedy in its very eyes, on a very personal level. The viewer is forced to think about the moments captured in this photo, and is forced to think about those few fleeting moments before death. This photo emanates great sorrow for the fragility of human life and the effects of unnecessary violence. It’s a commentary on just how precious life is, and “The Falling Man” will forever be immortalized as a symbol of a soldier, made part of a cruel tragedy that he never asked to be part of. The true identity of “The Falling Man” is still unknown, but that only adds to the message of the photograph.
The composition of the photograph is also quite striking, the two plain skyscrapers in the background, split down the middle with one side reflecting the highlights and one side reflecting the shadows only further highlights “The Falling Man” positioned in the center of this photograph.
This photograph, highlighting the effects of the violent crimes against innocent humans that took place on September 11, 2001 will forever live on in this photo, and deserves to be remembered. The image of “The Falling Man” definitely deserves a place among the most influential photos of all time.
“First Cell-Phone Picture”
Philippe Kahn
1997
Northern California
While I was looking through the many photos featured in the collection of the most influential photos of all time I came across this rather simple, grainy photograph of a baby. Shown between photographs of some of the world’s greatest triumphs and tragedies, I wondered what made this particular photograph of a baby so important. Then, of course, I read the title of the photograph. This was the first cell-phone picture ever taken, and it was simply of a new born child, taken by their parents. As soon as I learned this fact I realized that was indeed the reason that this photo was so influential. Philippe Kahn, a software entrepreneur, bored and in the hospital, invented the first set up capable of transmitting images instantly. This invention would go on to transform how we communicate and help in the creation of the modern day smartphone and photo applications.
The thing that I find most remarkable about this photograph however, is the fact that Kahn created this invention with the intention of nothing else but sharing the first moments of his daughter’s life with friends and family. This being the first cell-phone photograph speaks to the underlying values of humanity as a whole. There is a joy you feel when presented with new human life, there is an innocence and peacefulness that is brought to you. My first reaction when seeing this photo was definitely one of hopefulness, that I think most people feel when shown photographs of newborn babies.
Philippe Kahn
1997
Northern California
While I was looking through the many photos featured in the collection of the most influential photos of all time I came across this rather simple, grainy photograph of a baby. Shown between photographs of some of the world’s greatest triumphs and tragedies, I wondered what made this particular photograph of a baby so important. Then, of course, I read the title of the photograph. This was the first cell-phone picture ever taken, and it was simply of a new born child, taken by their parents. As soon as I learned this fact I realized that was indeed the reason that this photo was so influential. Philippe Kahn, a software entrepreneur, bored and in the hospital, invented the first set up capable of transmitting images instantly. This invention would go on to transform how we communicate and help in the creation of the modern day smartphone and photo applications.
The thing that I find most remarkable about this photograph however, is the fact that Kahn created this invention with the intention of nothing else but sharing the first moments of his daughter’s life with friends and family. This being the first cell-phone photograph speaks to the underlying values of humanity as a whole. There is a joy you feel when presented with new human life, there is an innocence and peacefulness that is brought to you. My first reaction when seeing this photo was definitely one of hopefulness, that I think most people feel when shown photographs of newborn babies.
“Iraqi Girl at Checkpoint”
Chris Hondros
January 2005
Iraq
As soon as I saw this photograph, and especially after reading the description, I knew I had to write about the influence and impact of it. This photograph truly captures the horrors of war and the destruction of innocence within that. In this photograph a young Iraqi girl is shown moments after her parents had both unrightfully been murdered by U.S soldiers, who were meant to be protecting innocent civilians. Chris Hondros, who was a photojournalist, immediately shared the photograph to be published the next day. With the release of this photo the methods of the U.S soldiers at these checkpoints were called into question by anyone who saw this shocking photograph.
One reason I believe this photograph to be so impactful is because it not only features a young girl in distress and covered in blood, but also part of a soldier who is wielding a gun. This soldier is supposed to be protecting her, yet it seems that he is just standing idly by. When I see this photo my heart hurts for this young girl, who is innocent and did nothing to deserve to be in this horrific situation. Although this is only a photograph I feel like the screams and cries from this young girl are audible.
This photograph fully relays the horrors of war as it affects those who are caught in the crossfire of chaotic conflict. This photo really does deserve to be among the most influential photographs of all time as it not only sparked skepticism and investigation at the time of first being released to the public, but also still today reminds us of the unneeded death and trauma that comes with war and conflict.
Chris Hondros
January 2005
Iraq
As soon as I saw this photograph, and especially after reading the description, I knew I had to write about the influence and impact of it. This photograph truly captures the horrors of war and the destruction of innocence within that. In this photograph a young Iraqi girl is shown moments after her parents had both unrightfully been murdered by U.S soldiers, who were meant to be protecting innocent civilians. Chris Hondros, who was a photojournalist, immediately shared the photograph to be published the next day. With the release of this photo the methods of the U.S soldiers at these checkpoints were called into question by anyone who saw this shocking photograph.
One reason I believe this photograph to be so impactful is because it not only features a young girl in distress and covered in blood, but also part of a soldier who is wielding a gun. This soldier is supposed to be protecting her, yet it seems that he is just standing idly by. When I see this photo my heart hurts for this young girl, who is innocent and did nothing to deserve to be in this horrific situation. Although this is only a photograph I feel like the screams and cries from this young girl are audible.
This photograph fully relays the horrors of war as it affects those who are caught in the crossfire of chaotic conflict. This photo really does deserve to be among the most influential photographs of all time as it not only sparked skepticism and investigation at the time of first being released to the public, but also still today reminds us of the unneeded death and trauma that comes with war and conflict.
2019
Camera SimulatorAperture PriorityLong Focal LengthThe image has an aperture of 1/13. That means that it has a long focal length and a small aperture opening. I shot this on aperture priority mode so the camera adjusted the shutter speed to 1/25 which means 1/25 of a second time for exposure. This created a motion blur of the pinwheel because the shutter was open long enough for the pinwheel to spin. The larger focal range (smaller aperture hole) means that the background is in focus.
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Shallow Depth of FieldShooting on aperture priority mode, my aperture is set to f2.8 which means that my focal length is shallow, but the diaphragm hole is large, letting in a lot of light. My shutter speed was automatically set to 1/2000 of a second which is very fast and the shutter is not open for very long, letting in less light. That is why the pinwheel is almost frozen in motion, because the shutter speed captured the image quickly. The background is blurred because the aperture could only focus a shallow depth of field.
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Shutter Priority
Shooting in Shutter Priority Mode, I was able to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the pinwheel's motion. My shutter speed was 1/640 of a second which means it was open for a very small amount of time. The camera automatically adjusted the aperture to f/3.5 to allow for enough light to come in so the photograph had good exposure. The aperture at f/3.5 creates a shallow depth of field and therefore the background is blurry.
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Shooting in Shutter Priority Mode, I used a slow shutter speed to achieve a motion blur of the pinwheel. This shutter speed was slow so that the pinwheel would turn while the shutter was open. In order to get the correct exposure, the aperture had to be smaller to allow light to come in. The aperture at f/10 allows the background to be in focus.
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This image was taken using ISO 25600 which is an exceptionally high film speed. This film is very sensitive to light and can be used in very low light situations to capture an image. The problem with fast film speeds is that the images have a of of grain and are therefore very "noisy".
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This image was taken using ISO 100. This is a slow film which means it is not very sensitive to light. It requires maximum amounts of light to make a good exposure. Slow film is less grainy, but has less visual information.
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At aperture f2/8, the diaphragm hole is large, which lets in a lot of light. Because of this, the shutter speed is very quick, so that it doesn't get overexposed. However, a low ISO, such as ISO 100 in this photo, is less sensitive to light, meaning that it requires a lot of light to get the right amount of exposure (brightness) in a photo. In this case, the ISO was too low and so, the photo was underexposed (too dark).
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At aperture f/2.8, the diaphragm hole is large, which lets in a lot of light. When the shutter speed is slow, it allows more, light to come in, creating too much light. Also, a high ISO, such as ISO 25600, should only be used when there isn't enough light, so that the photo is brightened. However, with an already overexposed photo, the Iso of 25600 made the photo very overexposed (too bright).
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